Drainage
responsibilites
The network of drains and sewers
that take sewage away from your home is part private and part
public.
Public sewers
The large sewers, normally under the
road, are usually owned by the local water company. These are
maintained by the water companies and are called public sewers.
Private sewers
The pipes that connect your property to the public sewers are
referred to as private drains or sewers. They belong to you as the
householder, or your landlord if you are a tenant.
Until now they have been the joint responsibility of all the
properties joined to that network. However from 1 October
2011 Newham property owners currently connected to a private sewer
will no longer be responsible for the maintenance of these
sewers.
New legislation will transfer the responsibility for
maintenance and repairs for private sewers and lateral drains to
the local water authorities. In Newham, this will be the
responsibility of Thames Water Utilities.
From October 1, 2011 private householders currently connected to
private sewers (usually properties built after October 1937) should
report problems with their sewer directly to Thames Water on 08459
200 800.
These changes should benefit homeowners and resolve long term
maintenance and repair issues for those currently connected to
private sewers and lateral drains.
Please note that drainage pipes which are only used by a single
property will still be the responsibility of the property owner
within their property boundary.
For other complaints or guidance you may still contact the
Council's Drainage Team on 020 8430 2000.